Share this with

Madison Keys will take on Sloane Stephens in the final of the US Open as the pair both target their maiden Grand Slam title.

The world No. 16 – who has had two wrist surgeries this year – was in fabulous form to reach her first major final, downing good friend Coco Vandeweghe 6-1 6-2 in little over an hour.

In an all-American contest – just like the two semi-finals – Keys will now get a shot at another close companion after Stephens – who has climbed almost 900 places in the WTA rankings in the last month after foot surgery – took out Venus Williams.

‘Maddy is probably my closest friend on the tour,’ Stephens said after downing Williams 6-1 0-6 7-5 earlier on Ashe. ‘I love her to death.’

Stephens is up next for Keys (Picture: REUTERS)

Vandeweghe was blown away (Picture: EPA)

However, if Keys’ performance against Vandeweghe is anything to go by, she won’t have any problems in thumping her friend on the biggest stage.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Neither woman had been beyond a semi-final of a major prior to the event at Flushing Meadows but both will now have a shot at making history.

The only concern for the 22-year-old was the need to take a medical timeout for a right leg problem, which could prove to be a factor in Stephens’ favour in the final.

Keys was in brutal form (Picture: AP)

Venus was dumped out by Stephens (Picture: AP)

It was the 15th seed who got off to the sharper start, breaking Vandeweghe on her way to a 3-0 lead in just six minutes.

Her level didn’t drop and she blasted 14 winners through the opener, making just two unforced errors on her way to a 6-1 lead after only 24 minutes.

A break followed at the start of the second as Keys’ ruthless striking continued to make waves against the 20th seed and she then snatched a double break to all but confirm her place in the showpiece finale.